Utility Sales Manager - South Africa

AIKO Energy; Remote; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm seeks a Business Development Manager to enhance market presence and drive customer acquisition in the Utility solar sector. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in business development within the solar industry, strong negotiation skills, and an established network in the photovoltaic sector. This role is based in Johannesburg or remote, focusing on managing projects and engaging with key stakeholders. Fluency in English is essential, with other regional languages preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in business development or sales within the solar industry.
• Fluency in English is essential, proficiency in Arabic preferred.
• Established network of contacts within the solar photovoltaic industry.

Responsibilities

• Drive business growth and market presence in South Africa and beyond.
• Conduct in-depth market research on the Utility sectors of the photovoltaic industry.
• Lead high-impact customer acquisition efforts for major Utility projects.
• Optimize and streamline sales processes for Utility clients.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on sales commitments.

Skills

Business development

Sales strategy

Negotiation skills

Market analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Engineering

Job description

Responsibilities:

1. Drive business growth and market presence within South Africa and beyondfocusing on Utility solar projects. Identify new opportunities, expand existing accounts, and oversee strategic marketing initiatives aimed at increasing market share in South Africa and beyond.
2. Conduct in-depth market research on the Utility sectors of the photovoltaic industry in South Africa and beyond . Analyze industry trends, customer needs, and competitive dynamics to provide actionable recommendations for refining sales strategies and positioning in these high-potential markets.
3. Lead high-impact customer acquisition efforts by targeting major Utility projects, establishing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, and securing large-scale solar installations. Develop and execute market entry and expansion strategies tailored to the specific needs of the Utility sectors across different countries in the region.
4. Optimize and streamline sales processes specifically for Utility clients, ensuring strategies are adapted to the region’s regulatory, financial, and market environments. Standardize sales operations, enhance project management workflows, and implement effective risk management practices.
5. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including technical, production, and supply chain departments to ensure alignment in delivering on sales commitments, achieving timely product delivery, and ensuring overall customer satisfaction in Utility projects.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree or higher, ideally in Business, Engineering, or related disciplines. Advanced knowledge of the solar photovoltaic sector, with an emphasis on Utility markets, is preferred.
2. 10+ years of experience in business development or sales within the solar industry, with a proven track record in managing utility projects and complex, multi-quarter sales cycles, particularly in South Africa and beyond.
3. Fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in Arabic or other regional languages is recommended but not mandatory.
4. Proven ability to develop new business and expand market share in the South Africa and beyond Utility sectors. Resilience and adaptability in navigating dynamic market conditions and regulatory environments are key.
5. Established network of contacts within the solar photovoltaic industry, especially in the Utility sectors, including IPP developers, EPC, and governmental entities. Familiarity with local regulations, business customs, and solar project financing structures is critical for success.
6. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to structure deals that maximize revenue growth while aligning with company objectives. Ability to manage pricing discussions, contract negotiations, and closing deals effectively.
7. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers both internally and externally. Strong capability to navigate cross-cultural communication and tailor strategies to the diverse markets.
8. Self-starter with a strategic mindset, capable of leading business development initiatives independently, while driving collaboration across various functions to ensure project success.

Location:

This role is based in Johannesburg or Remote to manage Utility client relationships, oversee projects, and engage with key stakeholders.